Carrageenan

INCI: CARRAGEENAN

CAS Number
53973-98-1
Function
Gelling Agent, Thickening Agent, Emulsion Stabilizer, Film Former
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
EU Max Conc. 15.7%
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes GRAS for food; cosmetic use widely permitted; no CIR restrictions

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
negligible
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

Versatile natural rheology modifier replacing PEG and carbomer. Three structural types cover firm gels (kappa), soft elastic gels (iota), and viscosity building (lambda). Excellent functional profile for clean-beauty formulations. Minimal absorption functions at surface level.

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Concern Level: Low

Regulatory Flags

heavy_metal_testing_required marine_origin distinguish_kappa_iota_lambda_on_spec prop65 jecfa_safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Carrageenan safe in cosmetics?

Versatile natural rheology modifier replacing PEG and carbomer. Three structural types cover firm gels (kappa), soft elastic gels (iota), and viscosity building (lambda). Excellent functional profile for clean-beauty formulations. Minimal absorption functions at surface level. The EU classifies Carrageenan as "permitted". Safety rating: GOOD.

Is Carrageenan allowed in the EU?

Carrageenan EU regulatory status: permitted. Maximum allowed concentration: 15.7%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Carrageenan do in cosmetics?

Carrageenan functions as: Gelling Agent, Thickening Agent, Emulsion Stabilizer, Film Former. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 53973-98-1.

What is the Margin of Safety for Carrageenan?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

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